RE:PURPOSE | What Now?

Reality Check

Ever wake up one morning, go about your day, and in the midst of all the normality - something radically changes that rocks your world? When unexpected things happen I tend to forget the one truth that I do know for sure–that nothing is permanent and we've never been promised that we'll be unchanged. 

Blue or Red Pill

Change. While I might not choose it or instigate it at times, it can turn out to be the best thing. I am a nerd and I just rewatched the Matrix again. Remember the moment when Keanu Reeve's character is asked whether he wants his life to remain the same, or if he wants his eyes opened to the reality, the truth? He takes a moment and swallows the pill that will give him reality, not knowing how harsh it really is. We tend to hang on to things for the wrong reasons or talk ourselves out of change for a variety of reasons. Why is that? What pill would you take? And why?

Swallowing it is a whole other thing

Change is hard and I'm not going sugar coat that. It can upset routines, finances, relationships, shaking  at the very foundation that you've built your life on. I’ve had that kind of shift in my life, many, many times and I'm here to tell you that you will survive it. That once the shock has passed and the "why me" has run through your brain a few hundred times, you'll pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and realize you have a clean slate in front of you ready and waiting for you to draw on and find your new purpose.

 

RE:THINK | Redefining Your Comfort Zones

I have always been drawn into nature as a retreat, a place of renewal, and insight. It soothes me on every level. So my hiking trip to the Black Hills, South Dakota was no different in a lot of ways, except in one - I went with the purpose to redefine my comfort zones. It was time to push past who I have been and figure out who I am going to be. 

Cathedral Spires Trailhead
Custer State Park, Black Hills, SD

I unplugged from the world and set my sights on a pure, uninterrupted hike with the intent to flush out a vision for things to come. It was more than I bargained for and I was surprised every step of the way.  

On the third day I hiked to the highest point east of the Rockies and west of the Alps, settling at the top of Harney's Peak with a queasy feeling in my belly. Heights have always had this affect on me. I was bound and determined not to let that feeling take over and limit my exploration. I gave it some time and then I set off scrambling over rocks, up peaks, and into valleys - finding myself more at home with every step. Apparently I will climb anything if  a blue diamond is leading the way!

Harney's Peak
Custer State Park, Black Hills, SD

With every day I hiked through and past myself, my fears, my hesitations, and my confusion about my life. I let my mind wander, dream, and hope again. By the end of the week, my mind was pouring out possibilities and a profound sense of purpose covered me. I can't say that I have everything figured out, but I do know this, I've tapped into something deeper than even I knew about myself and I will fight to keep that feeling on a daily basis. 

My goal: a dear friend told me to take one risk a day, no matter how small. I am going to take her up on this. Thanks Megan. Might nice. 


I have a sneaky feeling that it will build for a lifetime  and shape me for years to come. 
LINKS: Black Hills information, Google Photos of Custer State Park - Black Hills, All about Harney Peak, History of Custer State Park, Best Dining in Custer - Sage Creek Grille, Tip: Stop in Purple Pie place for their bumblebee pie and the Naked Winery with the funniest spin on wine

RE:THINK | A Marathon State of Mind (in progress)

Having a sprinter's perspective

I have this down. I am good with shifting gears, moving in a different direction and picking up things and then putting them down again. It is from years as a child picking up and moving over and over again, making new friends on my block, in my classroom or in the town we've moved to. I carried this with me when I went to college, moving an average of every 9 months for 4 years. It's the nomad in me I guess. 

The wonderlust grows throughout the year and I long to experience something different, to be challenged, to grow and to be surprised by things. But as life unfolds I find myself needing to have a longer perspective of things. To be able to endure more for longer periods of time. Especially for things that can't be fixed, healed or cleaned up neatly and put away. 

I have recently agreed to train for a half marathon and it is my hope that this experience will give me the training that I need to also endure the longer challenges in life that come up. 

Hair brain thoughts 
I've never really run before and I have set out this year to purposely dispel the hair-brain idea that I can't do certain things, or I am not this or that. Everyone can run. You don't need to have been a high school track star to run today. I am 41 and this year I've decided to become a runner. Why the heck not? 

You can make up your mind to start something new and significant today. So, that is what I have done. I am putting one step in front of the other every day, training and working hard to build up momentum and endurance.. 

What is your marathon? 
So, if there is something you think you can't do, I'd encourage you to ask yourself where you got that idea in the first place and then, do something surprising....do it anyway and try it a few times before you put it back in that space in our brains that says "I can't do that". 


Websites: Marathon-Training-Academy.com | runnersworld.com | www.c25k.com
Books: Galloway's Book on Running, Jeff Galloway | Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running | Runner's World Training Journal, by editor's of Runner's World Magazine and Amby Burgoot
Droid Apps for Running: Time Run, Buddy Runner, Cardio Trainer, & Calorie Counter

Sandy is now running 3 miles without dying and planning (not totally committed yet) to running her first half marathon in May 2011.

RE:FRESHING Connecting in Chaos

Good Day for Humanity

Ever wonder how people will act in chaos? Yesterday the town I live in found out. You see, our town went from being soggy to flooding with the main water supply shut off for the entire town. And when it was announced that the water was shut off, that was a game-changer for most people. It went from mild inconvenience to nervousness and tension. But what I found in the midst of all this, was what I hoped to find; upbeat optimism, strangers helping strangers, neighbors sharing supplies, and friends that were there when we needed them the most. It was a great day for humanity in our little town. I hope that in your town, your neighborhood and with your friends / family that you find yourself surrounded by people that are invested in you, your life and that things that matter to us all - being connected and ready at a moment's notice. 

All the best,

Sandy

Photo by Bob Elbert, ISU photographer, Ames Ia  August 11, 2010

Letters: Lady in Transition / MarketDay

Dear Woman in Transition,

I have been thinking of you ever since Saturday and just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I hope that life will be kind to you and that you will find both of your feet standing strong again soon. In the meantime, I jotted down a few things that I hope will help. 

Give Yourself Time

Know that you'll have highs and lows as you move through this and let yourself work through it. We all want to put up a brave front and push through it and be a super person all the time, but know that in the midst of this change...you are also human and need to work through it at your pace, on your time frame. 

Surround Yourself

Don't do this alone. We are in a world surrounded by people that have been put in our lives for this very reason. Call them up, let them know that is going on and rally a good group of trusted people that are invested in you, your happiness and will be there when you need it most. 

Dead Weight

Change always seems to shake the dead weight from my life, like a midwest summer storm. People tend to divide up into a few different camps, here are a few that I've experienced over the years that have been helpful to me.

• The Fixers - They can't help themselves. This is what they do best. You will need these people when your momentum wavers and/or when you figure out where you are heading. 

• The Bailers - They don't know how to respond so they will disappear, but...give them a task and they are there in a heartbeat. They are not telepathic. 

• The Listeners - They will lend an ear for however long you need them for, but be cautious, it is tempting to abuse that.

Dare to Dream

Why not? When did we stop? Dream big and figure out how to reach it. It might be a series of steps, but allow yourself to even go there. 

Quiet the Voices of Doubt, Fear, and Unworthiness

I hear them too, but have learned over time to not take their advice. Push past and experience for yourself something different, out of your comfort zone, and unfamiliar. You'll be amazed at what you are capaple of. Grow and stretch yourself. We always sell ourselves short. Remind yourself daily - don't let yourself get in the way of what you are capable of. Others believe in you, how about believing in yourself. 

Lastly, We Are All Works In Progress

Do the best that you can, with what you have, at the time. Don't take that away from yourself. It's all we can ask from anyone. Give yourself and those around you the grace to make mistakes. Know that people's hearts are in the right place, but not always at the right time. Second chances are what life is about, so remind yourself that we are all a work in progress. 

All the Best,

Sandy

RE:START: Moving On - I Give You Permission

A woman was changed on Saturday...

I know she was. She paced between three paintings, and then down to two, and when it looked like she was at a stalemate we talked. Both paintings spoke to her. One was a revelation that she had baggage in her life and she could put it down. That resonated with her. The second one told her to put it down. In the end, she chose the one that gave her permission to move one and I could see that she would. I smiled as she walked away with it.

How often do we put off making a change in our lives? 

I'm guilty of this, it happens often. Most times I don't see what needs to change right away. What I've found most revealing is while I am painting the smaller paintings, my mini's as I'm affectionately calling them, and putting the stories together I am constantly reminded of what is holding me back from moving on in an area in my life. It has been the most amazing process for me and I hope as people read them and take them home with them, that they are a catalyst to change in their lives. 

All worth it.

I loved this painting/story (pic above) when it was finished. And when this woman decided to take it home, I knew that everything that I had gone through to get to this moment was worth it. That one person and that one painting, it was my purpose. And I imagine that over time, she will look at that painting differently. That for now, it will remind her of where she wants to be. Then one day, she will look at it and realize that she let it go and re:started that part of herself and moved on and smile even bigger.

It's my bliss.  

I love what my hands create and what others connect with. So, if you come to my booth know this about me - I want to save the world, one soul at a time. And these hands that I've been given, they are a gift to me. They take the pain and confusion in my life and create paintings outside my own imagination and hopefully give hope to others. My work is about letting go, putting down the baggage in your life and moving towards something greater than we can ever imagine, a sense of weightlessness. If you need to put something down and move on, I give you permission. Re:Start Your Life now, what's holding you back. 

RE:THINK | What's All The Rush?

Static.

It's tempting and easy to remain the same and become comfortable with that. But where is the growth, the gained experience that might one day turn into wisdom if I don't stretch myself? So, I'm starting to re:think how I approach daily activities and how I live life. What about you? If given only today, what would you re:think and do differently tomorrow?

For me, off the bat, I'd stop rushing around. I was out with my husband this afternoon, driving around town doing various errands and I realized that my pace is pretty frenetic. When did that happen?

Over the years, from various jobs, I think I have incorporated the client "last minute rush" pace into my daily live. So, as a result, slipping over into my daily life I seem to think that everywhere that I go, I need to get there quickly. How often am I doing this?

Making a change.
Last week, I paid attention to my pace at work, in the car, and in home. It was a bit shocking to realize that I didn't shut off this exhausting sense of movement anywhere except when I climb into bed at night. At work I found myself clomping with quick strides to and from meetings, my desk, to the breakroom, and the printer - all on my own accord. As I settled into my car I found myself constantly trying to find the most efficient lane of traffic to be as well as, trying to determine the shortest route to my destination. At home, it didn't see to be much different. I slide around the main floor trying to multi-task as many things as possible, to avoid having to make too many trips to put things away. So, where is the balance between being efficient and being too tightly wound?

I think what made me realize that I needed to re:think this, was that I was constantly feeling like I was never succeeding at anything that I did, nor was I enjoying what I was doing. So, this week I have a goal for myself. To slow way, way, way down and purposefully try to enjoy each moment that I am in. To really push myself to re:think why I am rushing and if it is really necessary.